Great British Bake Off star Mary Berry awarded freedom of city

Cookery writer and broadcaster Mary Berry has been awarded the freedom of Bath.

The respected kitchen personality, who has helped lead a recent revival in home baking, grew up in the city where her father was mayor in the 1950s.

She joined a 250-strong procession of city officials and residents who walked from the Guildhall to Bath Abbey for a service.

Berry was born in Bath in 1935 and when she was 17 years old, her father Alleyne Berry served as the 724th mayor of the city in 1952 and he was involved in establishing the University of Bath.

Her mother Margery was his mayoress and she continued to attend civic engagements right up until her death three years ago - just before her 106th birthday.

Berry's career began as the cookery editor of Housewife magazine and she has gone on to write more than 70 cookery books and appear on countless television and radio programmes, including the hugely popular BBC Two series The Great British Bake Off.

Coun Cherry Beath, who took office as the 787th mayor of Bath, said: "Mary exemplifies what can be achieved by a creative spirit, along with talent and determination.

"I am sure everyone admires her culinary works of art, which have inspired the nation to get back to baking so I am proud that my first official duty as the 787th mayor will be to appoint her as an Honorary Freeman of our beautiful city.